German Actors of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries: Idealism, Romanticism, and Realism

(Hardback)

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Williams presents a history of the development of German acting in relation to the philosophical and cultural developments in Germany from the 18th century to 1910. A major focus of his study is the tension between the classical or idealist' approach to acting and that of the romantc actor. The book is based on many German sources, some of which are unavailable in English. Williams discusses important actors, such as Ekhof, Iffland, and Kainz, in detail--he provides a thorough picture of the actor's background, philosophical outlook, technique, and success. A particularly interesting section describes the influence of Nietzsche on Kainz and gives details of that influence on his interpretation of Romeo, Hamlet, and other familiar roles. ... Good photographs and a bibliographical essay. Useful to readers interested in German theater history as well as those interested in the development of acting theory.-Choice
"Williams presents a history of the development of German acting in relation to the philosophical and cultural developments in Germany from the 18th century to 1910. A major focus of his study is the tension between the classical or idealist' approach to acting and that of the romantc actor. The book is based on many German sources, some of which are unavailable in English. Williams discusses important actors, such as Ekhof, Iffland, and Kainz, in detail--he provides a thorough picture of the actor's background, philosophical outlook, technique, and success. A particularly interesting section describes the influence of Nietzsche on Kainz and gives details of that influence on his interpretation of Romeo, Hamlet, and other familiar roles. ... Good photographs and a bibliographical essay. Useful to readers interested in German theater history as well as those interested in the development of acting theory."-Choice

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lliams /f Simon